Awoniyi reaches agreement to join newly-promoted Premier League side Coventry

NEWLY-promoted English Premier League side Coventry City has reached an agreement with Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi to join them before the closure of the current summer transfer window.

Awoniyi, 29, who underwent a medical yesterday, joins Coventry from Nottingham Forest, who he signed for in 2022. Awoniyi will become the second Nigeria international signed by Coventry manager Frank Lampard following their promotion at the end of last season to the Premier League, joining compatriot Frank Onyeka, who arrived from London side Brentford.

During his four-year spell at Forest, Awoniyi scored 23 goals and provided six assists in 103 appearances across all competitions. Of these goals, 21 came in the Premier League, where he also gained considerable top-flight experience, making 90 appearances for Forest, most notably, saving the side from relegation in the 2022/23 season.

A former Liverpool starlet, Awoniyi has entered the final year of his contract with Forest, whom he joined from Union Berlin, which is what is believed to have prompted his sale. Awoniyi has spent four seasons with Forest and played a role in keeping them in the Premier League, as his run of goals included a vital winner against Arsenal which secured survival in May 2023.

Transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, wrote on X: “Coventry City agree deal to sign Taiwo Awoniyi from Nottingham Forest, here we go. Club-to-club agreement done, permanent move and also understand medical is now ongoing."

Awoniyi’s move also comes against the backdrop of his long-term desire to remain in England. Former Super Eagles midfielder Seyi Olofinjana previously revealed that part of the striker’s career plan was to stay in the country long enough to secure a second passport.

Last season, Awoniyi struggled for regular playing time at the City Ground, scoring just four times and providing one assist in 17 league appearances. Internationally, Awoniyi, who began his career playing for Nigeria's U17 side, has 10 senior caps and has scored two goals for the Super Eagles.